Fiction
Advance Man
Author Steven Jaques tells a political tale that takes the reader behind the scenes of the people who stage every element of a presidential candidates appearances around the world. Everything. Everything within about half a mile. If you've ever been suspect of the imagery that surrounds political figures, you'll be convinced that the advance teams literally paint the scene. Film
Five Feet Apart (2019)
This film resides in my "guilty pleasure" category even though the unique and timely premise eventually plays out in a fairly predictive manner. But I can't dismiss the cool camera tricks director Justin Baldoni plays on the viewer by showing two young cystic fibrosis patients fated to stay 6 feet apart closer than they actually are. Some shots will definitely appear in film class next year. Baldoni expanded on his experience with a documentary on coping with health issues in this teary drama. |
Podcasts,Videos & Webinars
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The Hate You Give (2018)
The Ahmad Arberry fracas has poured salt on the wounds from the country's racial divisions. This film adaptation of novelist Angie Thomas' 2017 novel of the same name is not easy to watch simply because the film transcends many of the typical teen-film formulas with a more raw and realistic portrayal of the tension and indifference residing just below the surface for people of all colors. It's a great discussion starter for young people. MusicNon Fiction
Ghost Rider
Music lost Neil Peart of the rock group Rush in 2020. Along with decades of innovative music and masterful percussion, he gifted us with a handful of travelogues; this one stands out. In one calendar year, Neil lost his daughter, his wife, his friend and his dog. The journal that documents his cross country motorcycle trip to try and mend his empty heart is a brilliant recollection of personal reactions and recovery to these devastating events. Although Rush and music fans in general will glean a few behind the scenes secrets of the band, this is not a music tell-all. Rather it's the tortured trail journal of a soul who seeks meaning in his own life and a way to move forward - TP Series
The Man in the High Castle
What would happen if the Nazi and Japanese powers had won WWII? This is an engaging historical "what-if" with a science fiction twist. Based on the novel by Phillip K.Dick. Amazon Prime |
Research & Instructive
History of the Media: Political Origins of Modern Communications. Basic Books, 2004
Admittedly, you may need to consume this tome in chunks. This is simply because the ten years it took for Pulitzer Prize author Paul Starr to write it resulted in rich, complex and info laden sentences you'll want to digest fully. It will be worth the time investment to dig into the rich history of the media in the confluence of political and social upheavals since the beginning of the printing press. I revisited the book lately while searching for a quote that was eerily predictive of our current state of affairs. 
IGen
Dr. Jean M. Twenge digs into generational dependance on the cell phone and how it has changed young people as social creatures and learners. You might recognize the author from the popular title Generation Me. This is an informing and entertaining read. Self Care
Baby's Coffee
Having traveled pretty extensively around North America and Europe, I feel comfortable extolling a "good cup of coffee". After discovering Baby's on a sojourn to the Keys, we ran across this amazing collection of roasts. I'm hooked on the simple Breakfast Roast, but you'll have fun trying to choose from the extensive collection of curiously named offerings.. Baby's is my go-to gift for coffee lovers.. Baby's Coffee 
Mountain Aromatherapy Shower Bar
This is a shower steamer - bath bomb you put in your shower. When water and mist hits the block, a strong, wonderful Eucalyptus and Mint scent fills the shower and opens up your nose and lungs. It's great aromatherapy that leaves you breathing better and feeling better too. Put the block in a plastic aerasol can-cap with a little hole to make the block last longer and make less of a mess in your shower. (Amazon) 
Trigger Point AccCurve Massage Cane
You're probably spending more time than ever bent over your laptop or desktop computer. Extended poor posture is gonna wreck havoc on you shoulders and backs. This little gadget loosens up those tight back muscles. (Amazon)
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